However, a simple glance at this week’s interview is enough to see through the military-led government’s public relations campaign and realize that the regime under President Thein Sein is not ready for genuine change.

Kyaw Hsan started his interview promoting the 2008 Constitution and the 2010 elections as being the foundation for democracy in Burma, stating that in “the constitution that we are exercising today, there are no rules that cannot be amended or cannot be repealed.”

The minister failed to mention that, under the 2008 Constitution, any constitutional amendment requires the support of at least 75% of representatives in both houses of Parliament, making such changes impossible without the military’s consent. In June of this year, the regime announced that the second session of Parliament would focus on amending or repealing existing laws that were either outdated or contravene international standards. However, all proposals that sought to repeal oppressive laws, including the Emergency Provisions Act, were rejected by military-aligned MPs.

Even more revealing that the regime has no intention to truly work for national reconciliation is Kyaw Hsan’s statement that, “there are no intentional human rights violations by the Tatmadaw […] Actually, the people who are violating human rights are the insurgents.”

The denial of human rights abuses continues when asked about the Shwe gas pipeline in Arakan State. Kyaw Hsan answered, “The accusations regarding these projects, the human rights that you mentioned, they are not based on the true situation, they are more like a negative campaign against the government.”

He continued, “If a member of the Tatmadaw violates any law or commits any crime, action will be taken against him.” Worse than omitting information or denying reality, this statement is a blatant lie in the face of all those who have suffered human rights abuses by the regime. Article 445 of the 2008 Constitution effectively bars the possibility that the regime could provide accountability for these crimes as it grants immunity from prosecution for state and military personnel.

Moreover, it is not the newly established National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that will end impunity in the country. The NHRC is nothing more than an “empty gesture” by the regime. The commission is made up of former regime officials, including individuals who have previously denied well-documented human rights abuses committed by the military regime and no information on its mandate has been provided.

As part of a broader campaign of denial of well-documented human rights crimes and a well prepared disinformation operation, Kyaw Hsan ends his interview stating that “our politics today are changing both fundamentally and substantively.” After analysing this interview, it is clear that the regime’s discourse has not changed, yet again raising concerns about the sincerity of the regime’s recent actions and their willingness to truly bring democratic change and national reconciliation to Burma.

About Burma Partnership

Burma Partnership is a network of organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region supporting the collective efforts of all peoples working towards democracy, peace, and human rights in Burma. Read more ►